Angus Hanton, IF co-founder, said it lumbers the future generation with expensive electricity, unknown costs for managing radioactive waste, complex and long-term security requirement costs, and a less secure and vulnerable energy infrastructure.

"Cheaper, safer and quicker energy options exist, which represent better value-for-money for current taxpayers while also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future."

IF’s findings are based on the government’s "contracts for difference" which subsidises investments in renewable technologies and Bloomberg estimates of future wind and solar power costs.

A Department of Energy and Climate Change spokesperson said: "We don’t recognise the figures presented in the report for the Intergenerational Foundation.

“Hinkley Point C is a good deal for consumers and, once operational will provide 60 years of secure, reliable and low-carbon electricity for the cost of 35. This will help us to keep the lights on while meeting our emissions targets in the most cost-effective way.”